Stage2: Spring 2012 - Options

We have many great options for you to choose from this term, why not check out below to see what you might like to do...

Production – Jim Cartwright’s Road (Cast all day Chorus am + some pm) Performances 18th – 21st April 2012 at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. ‘Beneath the gags, the playwright’s rumbling sense of lost dignity resulting from unemployment and chauvinism, gives this stunning debut a perceptive and frightening reality.’ City Limits. First staged at the Royal Court in 1986, Road tells of one wild night in a derelict northern street. Sharp and comic scenes jostle viciously to expose a population driven mad by despair. With recent riots and Government cuts, this will be a timely revival – we will examine ‘community neglect’ and individuals’ loneliness and how we can actively contribute to happiness and security within our own neighbourhoods. This is a difficult script and we will be toning down some of the language, whilst still retaining the impact and power. There are some great chorus scenes - some as a whole group and some breaking down into old and young chorus – having a wild night on the tiles and breaking into houses respectively! Everyone will take part in a positive and uplifting finale – looking to a brighter, better future.

General Drama (am) This term we are focussing on GAMES, looking at WHO they are aimed at, WHY we use games, WHEN we should play, WHERE we should play, WHAT they teach us and most importantly HOW we play games!! Each member will be given handouts each week detailing some of the chosen games – building up a useful resource to keep for use in the future. We will learn lots of games and all their rules before we play. Then we will play the game and learn the skills it teaches – adapting where necessary to get the most out of it. After we have played we will discuss why/when it works (or doesn’t!), what skills it helps improve and how the game varies with different group sizes and in different situations. We will be looking at drama games through the ages and familiar Stage2 classic games as well as some newer, more obscure games. Each week will be self-contained so members can miss weeks but obviously the more weeks you attend the more you will learn. This will be an excellent option for anyone thinking of assisting in Stage2 workshops or working with young people in future jobs.

Skills Workshop (pm) In the Spring term the Skills Workshop will concentrate on the art of play, incorporating clowning techniques, stereotypical commedia figures and elements of Greek choral work. The term of workshops aims specifically to develop the timing skills and ability of the individuals, whether that is comic timing or timing within the ensemble. By incorporating comic text and commedia character profiles, influenced particularly by the work of Dario Fo, the workshops will not only create a buzz of excitement but also greatly enlighten members about the new and exciting studied fields.We are aware that Road is powerful and potentially harrowing and may not suit everyone, so we are offering a balance with these Spring workshops! Younger members of the company should definitely think about a day of General Drama followed by Clowning and Commedia. They will have a light-hearted and fun term, whilst still learning valuable techniques to feed into future performance work and also help with schoolwork!

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